Papers are invited for a new collection on the work of Kathy Acker,addressing Ackerâ€™s work in relation to the transatlantic and the transnational.Though most recognised as an exponent of American literary postmodernism, KathyAckerâ€™s work consistently looks beyond the borders of the nation and raisesquestions about the relationships between writing, nation, culture and power. Inparticular, her writing displays an acute consciousness of systems of globaldomination and exchange, and challenges any straightforward account ofliterary cosmopolitanism. By locating Ackerâ€™s writing primarily through itsengagement with multiple literary traditions and histories, and crossing ofnational, cultural and artistic boundaries, this collection will explore the ways inwhich Ackerâ€™s work expands our understanding of global cultural exchange inthe contemporary world.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:Intersections with British, French and Spanish literatureAcker and travel writingAcker and AlgeriaRepresentations of Islam and the Arabic contextEmpire and post-empireAckerâ€™s British journalismAcker and international feminismAcker and cosmopolitanism and/or globalisation

We also welcome more general essays that explore any conceptual aspect ofthe collection.

Please send proposals (300 words) by Friday June 30th 2006 tokate_edin_at_hotmail.com and polinamackay_at_aol.com. Final essays should be 4,000-6,000 wordsand will be due 31st October 2006.